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Saturday, 04 September, 2010

Unusual Accommodation

Unusual Accommodation Spend the night somewhere unusual as you explore New Zealand. There are 89 properties listed and accommodation options include themed B&Bs/hostels, house truck/bus stays, a converted prison and unique camping locations. The prices shown are a guide only, please contact the properties directly for current rates. If you would like to read what others have to say about your accommodation choice check out www.tripadvisor.com. If you are interested in staying in unusual accommodation around the world check out the book "Bed In A Tree And Other Amazing Hotels Around The World" by Bettina Kowalewski. New - Cactus Jacks Backpackers, Rotorua; Criterion Art Deco Backpackers, Napier; Fantails B&B and self contained accommodation, Levin. NZ map and driving distances chart North Island - Auckland; Northland; Coromandel Peninsula; Hamilton/Waikato; Rotorua/Taupo; Hawkes Bay/Gisborne; New Plymouth/Taranaki; Manawatu/Wanganui; Wellington South Island - Blenheim/Picton/Nelson; Greymouth/West Coast; Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs; Christchurch/Timaru; Dunedin/Oamaru/St Bathans; Queenstown/Te Anau; Invercargill/Southland North Island
	Auckland/Kauri Coast/Warkworth Lion New Zealand, departs Viaduct Harbour, Auckland www.sailingnz.co.nz Phone: 0800 724 569 Spend the weekend sailing through the Hauraki Gulf onboard Lion New Zealand. Pack a sense of adventure and pay $350 per adult for two nights dorm style accommodation, all meals, non alcoholic beverages and sailing instruction.
	Petite Provence Boutique B&B, 703C Tinopai Road, Matakohe www.petiteprovence.co.nz Phone: 09 431 7552 A country retreat with a French flavour within 10 minutes drive of the Matakohe Kauri Museum. All rooms have French doors opening out onto a deck where you can enjoy the beautiful views. A French style breakfast is served - coffee, rolls and jam. From $100 single, $145 double. (Petite Provence is two hours drive north of Auckland).
	Whatipu Lodge, Whatipu Road (40 minutes West of Auckland) www.arc.govt.nz Phone: 09 811 8860 Up to 45 people can stay in the 17 bedrooms at the isolated Whatipu Lodge. The buildings were constructed over 100 years ago, additions have been minimal and an alternative energy system means that powered facilities are basic. There are communal cooking and bathroom facilities but you need to take your own bedding. From $30 per adult or camp in the area from $5 per night.
	Wilson House/Tapestry Decor Gallery, 108 Wilson Road, Warkworth www.tapestrydecor.com Phone: 09 425 9373 Wilson House is a historic home that operates as a B&B and retail gallery for tapestry decor. You can view (and purchase) the tapestry most days (10am - 4pm), phone to confirm if you are making a special trip. Matakana village is nearby, visit the popular weekly Farmers Market or one of the vineyards in the area. Rates from $120 single including breakfast. Ask at the Warkworth i-SITE for a map and directions, you will need to travel a short distance on unsealed road.
	Bay of Islands/Northland Kerikeri Aroha Island, Rangitane Road (12kms from Kerikeri) www.arohaisland.co.nz Phone: 09 407 5243 There are a range of accommodation options at this Eco-Learning Centre including the cottage shown. Bird life is plentiful and it's a short walk to a rocky beach or a short kayak to a sandy one. Camping from $15 per night.
	Driftwood, 20 minutes from Kerikeri (see website for directions) www.driftwoodnz.com Phone: 09 407 9240 Stay in a Kiwi bach with more than a touch of comfort and a track down to your own private beach. Off season weekly rental from $400.
	Pagoda Lodge, 81 Pa Road www.pagoda.co.nz Phone: 09 407 8617 A 1930's lodge incorporating Asian and Western elements. A variety of accommodation options are available including luxury tents, a river side boat house and self contained cottages. From $65 per night.
	Paihia The Rock www.rocktheboat.co.nz Phone: 0800 762 527 Spend 22 hours cruising through the Bay of Islands on a converted house boat. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and a swim under the stars. From $115 per person.
	Kohukohu Kohukohu Tree House, north side of Hokianga harbour www.treehouse.co.nz Phone: 09 405 5855 Sleep in cabins or an old school bus set in a garden of subtropical plants. You're also able to pitch your own tent or share a room in the wooden homestead. The Tree House is located two kilometres from the Hokianga Car Ferry and across the water from the historic harbourside village of Rawene.
	Rawene The Postmasters Lodgings, opposite ferry landing http://thepostmasterslodgings.co.nz Phone: 09 405 7676 Look out over Hokianga Harbour from the balcony of this historic Postmaster's residence located in the heart of Rawene village. Get an idea of just how idyllic this accommodation is by looking at the "Gallery" on their website. From $95.
	Coromandel Peninsula Opoutere YHA Opoutere, 389 Opoutere Road www.yha.co.nz Phone: 07 865 9072 This hostel is a former school house and is located in an undeveloped and quiet coastal area of the Coromandel Peninsula. Some school equipment is still around and you can try to whittle down your waist line with one of the hula hoops. You can also visit a glow worm grotto. The hostel is not open all year round - check with the YHA before arriving.
	Thames Totara Barns, 65 Totara Valley Road www.totarabarns.co.nz Phone: 07 868 9730 Hit the hay in a converted barn, after a good nights sleep wander through the two acres of landscaped gardens. Help yourself to complimentary tea, coffee and home baking in the guest lounge. Dinner on request. From $100 single, $135 double.
	Whitianga Cosy Cat Cottage, 41 South Highway (town end) www.cosycat.co.nz Phone: 07 866 4488 Curl up for the night in this feline friendly B&B. Catty decor will keep you company until Honey the house cat appears. From $70 per night including breakfast.
	Kiwi Tipi Accommodation, 10 minutes south of Whitianga www.whitifarmpark.co.nz Phone: 07 866 2349 Camp out in an American Indian Teepee at Whiti Farm Park from October - April. $30 per night per adult includes entry to the farm park and a bag of animal food. You will be camping Kiwi style so you need to take a few things with you, see the website for details.
	Hamilton/Waikato Hamilton Mountainview Farmstay & Appaloosa Stud, 816/2 Tuhikaramea Road, RD 10 www.appaloosastud.co.nz Phone: 07 847 5555 A farm stay for horse lovers located ten minutes drive from Hamilton. Evening meals by arrangement. From $100 per couple including breakfast.
	Raglan Solscape Eco Retreat, 611 Wainui Road www.solscape.co.nz Phone: 07 825 8268 Check in to a caboose, tipi or other self contained accommodation at this eco retreat. Enquire about wwoofing (working on an organic farm) if you’d like to stay a while. Rates to suit those on a backpacker budget and beyond.
	Waikato River House Boat Escape www.cambridge.co.nz Phone: 07 827 2195 Cruise down 21 kilometres of the Waikato River on your own house boat. Rates are $600 for two nights (from $200 for extra nights), fuel additional. Day hire from $300, subject to availability. Sleeps 7 (2 doubles, 3 singles).
	Waitomo Te Tiro B&B, 970 Te Anga Road www.waitomocavesnz.com Phone: 07 878 6328 Sleep in a pioneer style cottage on a sheep and cattle farm. You'll find a glow worm grotto close by, walking tracks and rock climbing areas if you're feeling adventurous. From $75 single, $110 double including continental breakfast.
	Woodlyn Park, 1177 Waitomo Valley Road, RD 7 www.woodlynpark.co.nz Phone: 07 878 6666 Touch down in Waitomo and spend a night in the Plane Motel or onboard The Waitanic. Lord of the Rings fans might prefer The Hobbit Motel and train enthusiasts can sleep onboard The Waitomo Express.
	Waitomo Big Bird B&B, 17 Waitomo Caves Road, RD 7 www.waitomobigbird.co.nz Phone: 0800 733 244 Stay on a 70 acre ostrich and cattle farm located five minutes drive from Waitomo Caves. Visit with the big birds and miniature horses. B&B and self contained accommodation available - from $65 single, $85 double, including continental breakfast.
	Rotorua/Taupo Te Pohutukawa Boutique Accommodation The Love Shack & A Room With A View, 76 Te Aka Road (20 minutes from Rotorua off SH33) www.te-pohutukawa.co.nz Phone: 07 362 4764 Get together at The Love Shack, head down to your own private jetty, stow your picnic basket in the row boat and paddle around Lake Rotoiti. From $125 per night for a loved up couple (minimum two night stay). Alternatively, book A Room With A View, from $125 per night including breakfast.
	Trout Fishing Farmstay, 357 State Highway 5, Tirau (30 minutes from Rotorua) www.troutfishingfarmstay.co.nz Phone: 07 888 1333 Lend a hand on the dairy farm and/or fish for trout onsite (fishing rods can be hired). Five minutes drive up the road is the village of Tirau, famous for its corrugated iron art. Self contained 4 bedroom cottage available or book into a spacious room in the host's home. From $100 single, $130-150 double.
	Rotorua Westminster Lodge & Cottage, 58A Mountain Road www.westminsterlodge.co.nz Phone: 0800 937 864 Spend a night or two at this B&B farm stay with the miniature animals and Mrs Piggy. Part of your breakfast will be laid and made onsite - a fresh egg and hot muffins. Located only five minutes drive from central Rotorua. From $80 single, $100-150 double. Self contained accommodation also available.
	Cactus Jacks Backpackers, 1210 Haupapa Street www.cactusjackbackpackers.co.nz Phone: 07 348 3121 A centrally located backpackers with a Tex Mex theme. Heat up in the hot pool, play pool in the Saloon and enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ on Saturday nights in summer for $7. There are two single rooms ($37) as well as twin, double and dorms (from $24).
	Taupo Tiki Lodge, 104 Tuwharetoa Street www.tikilodge.co.nz Phone: 07 377 4545 The local Maori hosts provide smiles for free and lake and mountain views for cheap. Book a bed in this modern, Maori flavoured lodge from $26 per night. See Tiki Lodge's ad here.
	Ohakune Turoa Yurt Village, 130 Miro Street www.turoayurts.com Phone: 06 385 8922 Self contained wooden yurt style accommodation ideally situated for skiing on Turoa. Winter rate from $295 per night (sleeps 8).
	Rimu Park, Rimu Street www.rimupark.co.nz Phone: 06 385 9023 Rimu Park offers a variety of accommodation options including dorm beds in the Villa and two spacious converted NZ Rail carriages. Located close to the bars / restaurants and ski shops and pick ups / drop offs for the Tongariro Crossing can be arranged.
	Old West Town - Mellonsfolly Ranch (one hours drive from Ohakune up the Ruatiti Valley) www.oldwesttown.co.nz Phone: 06 385 3346 A wedge of the Old West can be found next to the Whanganui National Park. Spend a night in the General Custer Room, sample cowboy cuisine and visit the Lucky Strike Saloon. Please note - the Ranch is not open to casual/day visitors, you must have a reservation for an overnight stay.
	Hawkes Bay/Gisborne Napier Mon Logis Boutique Hotel, 415 Marine Parade www.babs.co.nz/monlogis Phone: 06 835 2125 Mon Logis "My Lodge" was built in the 1860's and has been remodelled on the small privately owned French hotel. In summer sit on the balcony and enjoy the delicious breakfast. From $120 single. (Not suitable for children, maximum 8 guests).
	Sea Breeze Bed & Breakfast, 281 Marine Parade seabreeze.napier@xtra.co.nz Phone: 06 835 8067 The Sea Breeze B&B is located opposite the beach and is five minutes walk from the town centre. The guest rooms are influenced by Asia, Turkey and India. From $100 per night including continental breakfast.
	Criterion Art Deco Backpackers, 48 Emerston Street www.criterionartdeco.co.nz Phone: 06 835 2059 The Art Deco style of architecture is one reason why visitors flock to Napier. If you book a bed in this hostel you will be staying in one of the attractions on the Art Deco walk. A continental breakfast is included in the room rate and you can pick up a book from the book exchange or watch SKY TV. Bikes and scooters are for hire and a cafe and bar are open Tuesday to Sunday offering $7 lunch specials. A variety of rooms are available from $20.
	Ohope Moanarua Beach Cottage, 2 Hoterini Street www.moanarua.co.nz Phone: 07 312 5924 Experience a cultural home stay at Moanarua Beach Cottage from $110 per night. Ohope beach is a short walk away as are handmade Belgian chocolates at Scilla Chocolates, 132 Harbour Road.
	Opotiki Maraehako Bay Retreat, State Highway 35, RD3 www.maraehako.co.nz Phone: 07 325 2648 A retreat located on the beach and surrounded by rocks. A range of activities including horse trekking and the opportunity to meet Maori spiritual carvers can be arranged. From $25 per night.
	Taranaki The Camphouse, Egmont Road, Mt Taranaki www.mttaranaki.co.nz Phone: 06 278 6523 Crisp mountain air is part of the package at the historic camp house situated over 900 metres from the base of Mt Taranaki. You can self cater or get breakfast and lunch from the nearby Mountain cafe. From $30 per night.
	New Plymouth EcoInn Eco Accommodation, 671 Kent Road, RD 1 www.ecoinn.co.nz Phone: 06 752 2765 Have a soak in the wood/solar heated hot tub before camping out with the night life in the Tree House (weather permitting). Those not keen on sharing with the possums can sleep indoors in either the Inn or the Bach.
	Manawatu/W(h)anganui Skylark Lodge, 28 Onslow Road, Ohingaiti www.skylarker.co.nz Phone: 06 322 9774 Skylark Lodge was once Ohingaiti School but a thoughtful conversion has turned this former country school into a well equipped lodge. A swimming pool is available for guests as well as Internet access and an outdoor BBQ. Community tennis courts are across the road and close by in Mangaweka you can go fishing, kayaking or river rafting, and eat in a converted aeroplane cafe. Stay in this wheelchair accessible lodge from $15 per night. You'll find Skylark Lodge just off State Highway 1 at Ohingaiti. See their ad here.
	W(h)anganui Koriniti Marae, Whanganui River Road www.koriniti.com Phone: 06 342 8198 More traditional than unusual - spend a night in a communal whare on the marae. Groups can book an overnight experience that includes a hangi. Cooking facilities are available for those self catering. Local events including hui (meeting) and tangi (funeral) take priority over marae stays so phone ahead to check availability.
	The Flying Fox Retreat Accommodation & Canoeing, 45km northwest of Wanganui www.theflyingfox.co.nz Phone: 06 342 8160 A certified organic property where you can stay in hand built cottages, a gypsy style caravan - The Glory Cart or pitch your tent. Free range eggs and some organic produce and products can be purchased onsite from The Store. From $30 per night double for camping and $80 double for The Glory Cart. Arrive by jet boat or park your car on the other side of the river and take the flying fox across.
	The Rutland Arms Inn, 52 Ridgway Street www.rutland-arms.co.nz Phone: 06 347 7677 Heritage accommodation in central Wanganui. The rooms upstairs are furnished in Victorian style and down stairs is an English pub. From $140 double per night including continental breakfast.
	Bushy Park, 791 Rangitatau East Road, RD 8, Kai Iwi (20 minutes from Wanganui) www.bushypark.co.nz Phone: 06 342 9879 B&B accommodation is available in the Edwardian Homestead set on 240 acres of bush. Budget accommodation is available in the bunk house or Ernie's Room from $25. There is a native bird sanctuary onsite and if you visit for the day a $6 charge applies to enter the grounds and Homestead.
	Levin Fantails of Levin, 40 MacArthur Street www.fantails.co.nz Phone: 06 368 9011 Set on a quiet residential street and in a lovely two acre garden is Fantails B&B and cottages. Parked near the main house is an accommodation option with a difference - a house truck painted in folk art style. There are spa, sauna and massage facilities onsite and pamper packages can be arranged.
	Wellington Booklovers B&B, 123 Pirie Street, Mt Victoria www.booklovers.co.nz Phone: 04 384 2714 Your host Jane Tolerton is a NZ writer and you’ll find books in every room, there’s even a few to take away with you free of charge. A bus stop is at the door step and close by is a walking track to Mt Victoria.
	The Lighthouse & The Keep, 326 The Esplanade, Island Bay www.thelighthouse.net.nz Phone: 04 472 4177 Be a light house keeper for a day. Self contained accommodation including breakfast from $180 week days, $200 Friday & Saturday nights. Tapu Te Ranga Marae, 44 Rhine Street, Island Bay www.taputeranga.maori.nz Phone: 04 970 6235 A living marae on 24 hectares of whenua (land). If you’re interested in wwoofing (working on an organic farm) or volunteering, see the website for contact details. South Island
	Blenheim/Picton/Nelson Picton Tombstone Backpackers, 16 Gravesend Place www.tombstonebp.co.nz Phone: 0800 573 7116 Dead tired? Head behind the coffin door and rest in peace at Tombstone from $22 per night including breakfast. If you want to go to Hell for dinner you'll have to bargain with the devil to get to Hell Pizza in Nelson.
	The Villa Backpackers Lodge, 34 Auckland Street www.thevilla.co.nz Phone: 03 573 6598 Spend the night (or three) in this character villa. You can walk the owners dogs on the beach, start the day with a free breakfast and who could turn down a plate of apple crumble and ice cream? (Free breakfast offered in winter only).
	Nelson Bug Backpackers, 226 Vanguard Street www.thebug.co.nz Phone: 03 539 4227 A VW themed backpacker hostel offering free internet access and complimentary bikes. There's also a book exchange, BBQ and garden, and they offer complimentary pick ups and drop offs. From $20 per night for BBH members.
	Haven House B&B, 89 Haven Road www.havenguesthouse.co.nz Phone: 0800 446 783 Superior accommodation in one of Nelson's oldest homes. Rooms are decorated in traditional English style, have SKY TV, tea and coffee making facilities and en suite bathrooms. From $95 single, $120 queen including continental breakfast. (Not suitable for children).
	Abel Tasman National Park AquaPackers, Anchorage Bay www.aquapackers.co.nz Phone: 0800 430 744 Explore the Abel Tasman from AquaPackers - the floating backpackers. From $65 per person including BBQ dinner, breakfast and bedding.
	Marahau Old Macdonalds Farm & Holiday Park, >Marahau www.oldmacs.co.nz Phone: 03 527 8288 As the name implies there are plenty of farm animals here including deer, llamas, alpacas and donkeys. You can pitch your tent for $14 or book into shared or self contained accommodation. Guided sea kayaking trips can be arranged onsite and you will encounter 400 year old rimu trees on your bush walk around the property.
	Golden Bay Sans Souci Inn, 11 Richmond Road, Pohara www.sanssouciinn.co.nz Phone:03 525 8663 This seven bedroom sun dried clay brick inn is situated on three acres of garden. There's an onsite restaurant serving slow cooked food and it's a short walk to Pohara beach. From $80 per night.
	The Nook Guesthouse, Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara www.thenookguesthouse.co.nz Phone: 0800 80 6665 Stay put for a night in a converted Bedford house truck. Straw bale cottage and guesthouse accommodation also available as well as camping and motor home spaces.
	The House Truck, 220 McShane Road, Wainui Bay www.goldenbayhideaway.co.nz Phone: 03 525 7184 A restored house truck in a private bush location. Bath under the stars in the outdoor tub. From $140 per night, sleeps 4. Discounts for longer stays.
	The Sandcastle, Haile Lane, Pohara www.goldenbayaccommodation.co.nz Phone: 03 525 9087 Take a virtual tour of The Sandcastle here. Book a self contained chalet and warm up in the sauna and outdoor spa. From $100 per night, breakfast is an optional extra from $5 per person.
	Tasman Bay Jester House (The Boot B&B), Coastal Highway, Tasman www.jesterhouse.co.nz Phone: 03 526 6742 It’s not just the old woman who can spend a night in a shoe, you can too. The Boot is a romantic two storey retreat with an open fire and a Juliet balcony. Breakfast is delivered to your door and you can have lunch at nearby Jester House Café. B&B rate $300 per night.
	Greymouth/West Coast Greymouth Global Village Traveller's Lodge, 42-54 Cowper Street www.globalvillagebackpackers.co.nz Phone: 03 768 7272 Decorated in a global theme this lodge has an outdoor spa, free kayaks for use on Lake Karoro and free bikes and fishing rods. From $24 per night.
	Kainga-ra YHA, 15 Alexander Street www.yha.co.nz Phone: 03 768 4951 Originally the Marist Brothers Residence in the 1930's the building has been restored and budget accommodation is available in the converted Chapel from $23 per night.
	New River Bluegums B&B, 985 Main South Road, New River (12km south of Greymouth) www.bluegumsnz.com Phone: 03 762 6678 Stay in a self contained log cottage or in a king size room in the log and stone homestead. Have a game of tennis, feed the farm animals and take a 15 minute walk to the beach. From $100 single.
	Noah's Ark Backpackers, 16 Chapel Street www.noahsarkbackpackers.co.nz Phone: 03 768 4868 A refurbished monastery with single, double and twin animal themed rooms, dormitories and tent sites. From May - September a free breakfast is provided and if you stay during these months for four or more nights you get your fourth night free.
	Karamea Rongo Backpackers & Gallery, 130 Waverley Street www.rongobackpackers.com Phone: 03 782 6667 Check in to the funky and colourful Rongo Backpackers, stay for three nights and get your fourth night free. Chill out in the Rasta dorm from $27 per night, relax in the outdoor fire bath and enjoy the themed gardens and art work.
	Punakaiki Te Nikau Retreat backpackers & self contained accommodation (Te Nikau is located 3km north of Pancake Rocks) www.tenikauretreat.co.nz Phone: 03 731 1111 Hide away in the rainforest in a rustic wooden tent with a glass roof. Stargazer rates from $40 per couple. You can also pitch your tent or stay in one of the self contained lodges, a studio or cottage.
	Reefton Reef Cottage Bed & Breakfast, 51-55 Broadway www.reefcottage.co.nz Phone: 0800 770 440 Reef Cottage was built in 1887 and was originally a barrister's office, the old office vault has been turned into an en suite for one of the guest bedrooms. Reef Cottage cafe serves breakfast for guests and is also open for lunch. From $90 single per night including breakfast.
	Westport Beaconstone, 17km south of Westport on SH6 www.beaconstone.co.nz Phone: 027 431 0491 The development of this property has been a labour of love and it will be appreciated by those who like their accommodation to have a minimal impact on the environment. The property is solar powered, has composting toilets (loos with views) and rainfall is the water supply. From $28 per night.
	Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs Kaikoura Albatross Backpacker Inn, 1 Torquay Street www.albatross-kaikoura.co.nz Phone: 0800 222 247 Book a bed in the Turkish themed dorm from $25 per night and get your third night free if you stay during June, July or August. Relax with a free cup of fair trade tea or coffee on the verandah.
	Donegal House B&B, Restaurant & Bar, School House Road (3km north of Kaikoura) www.donegalhouse.co.nz Phone: 03 319 5083 Stay in one of the 28 en suite rooms that are on the same site as the little Donegal House Irish Hotel. Wander through the six acres of lawns and gardens. Rooms from $120 single per night including continental breakfast.
	Hapuku Lodge, 12 kilometres north of Kaikoura www.hapukulodge.com Phone: 0800 KAIKOURA Camp out in style in a tree house built 10 metres above the ground in a canopy of Manuka. Five star accommodation at five star prices.
	Hanmer Springs Waipara Sleepers, 12 Glenmark Drive (77km from Hanmer Springs) www.waiparasleepers.co.nz Phone: 03 314 6003 Sleep in a historic railway wagon, pitch your tent or park your van for the night. Wagon stay from $22 per night.
	Christchurch/Timaru Akaroa The Giant's House B&B, 68 Rue Balguerie www.linton.co.nz Phone: 03 304 7501 The Giant's House (Linton) was built in 1881 and is within walking distance of Akaroa Harbour. The landscaped gardens incorporate sculptures and large mosaic creations. B&B from $250. The gardens are open to visitors year round and afternoon teas are available December-March. See the website for opening hours and cost.
	Onuku Farm, Onuku Road (6kms from Akaroa) www.onukufarm.com Phone: 03 304 7066 Gaze up at the stars through the glass roof of a Stargazer wooden tent or get back to basics with no heating or electricity in the Top Hut. From $15 per night.
	Arthurs Pass/Otira Gorge Hidden Valley Lodge www.hiddenvalleylodge.co.nz Email: info@hiddenvalleylodge.co.nz Located 45 minutes drive from Arthurs Pass down the Otira Gorge the lodge is a renovated church with much of its traditional décor restored. From $150 per night for two. The Tranzalpine train stops close to Hidden Valley Lodge and pick up can be arranged.
	Christchurch Jailhouse Accommodation (formerly Addington Prison), 338 Lincoln Road www.jail.co.nz Phone: 0800 524 546 The prison closed in 1999 and re-opened in late 2006 as Jailhouse Accommodation. Get your legal high from the Jailhouse espresso coffee bar. Winter rate for a dorm bed from $22 per night.
	Huntingdon Grange, Shands Road, RD 6, Broadfield (15 minutes drive to city centre and airport) www.huntingdongrange.co.nz Phone: 03 344 5899 This B&B farm stay features a swimming pool, an outside bath and tennis lawn. You can feed the alpacas and relax in the picturesque garden gazebo. From $80 per night.
	Wagon Stays, 700 Cashmere Road www.wagonstays.co.nz Phone: 03 322 8277 Early settlers style accommodation – where luxury meets history in a rural location.
	Kowhai Riding School, 711 Island Road, View Hill, Oxford www.kowhai.co.nz Phone: 03 312 4309 All inclusive packages including accommodation, meals, horse riding lessons and horse treks are available at Kowhai Riding School. Day rides can also be arranged. (Kowhai is 75kms west of Christchurch, airport pick ups are available).
	Little River Okuti Garden, Little River (50km from Christchurch) www.okuti.co.nz Phone: 03 325 1913 Eco friendly accommodation - stay in a yurt, a house truck, an earth brick studio or pitch your own tent. Vegetarian feasts on Saturday nights.
	Dunedin/Oamaru/St Bathans Dunedin Albatross Inn, 770 George Street www.albatross.inn.co.nz Phone: 03 477 2727 This Edwardian guest house has a dining room with an ornate plaster ceiling and polished rimu floor. Guest rooms are furnished with antiques and collectibles and they all have private bathrooms. From $95 per night including continental breakfast.
	Hogwartz Backpacker Hostel, 277 Rattray Street www.hogwartz.co.nz Phone: 03 474 1487 A restored former Bishop's residence complete with chandeliers, original wood work and a piano. From $22 per night.
	Hulmes Court Bed & Breakfast, 52 Tennyson Street www.hulmes.co.nz Phone: 03 477 5319 Warm up around the marble fire place in the Victorian drawing room of this 1860's mansion located close to the city centre. Odd and interesting guests welcome! From $70 per night including continental breakfast.
	Stafford Gables YHA, 71 Stafford Street www.yha.co.nz Phone: 03 474 1919 A historic homestead with a roof top garden located within walking distance of the Octagon.
	Otago Peninsula Bus-Stop Backpackers, 252 Harrington Point Road, Portobello www.bus-stop.co.nz Phone: 03 478 0330 After a day at the Albatross Colony you can pull in to Bus-Stop Backpackers and sleep onboard "Philabella" the vintage bus or check in to the new self contained seaside cottage. From $30 per night.
	Larnach Castle, 145 Camp Road www.larnachcastle.co.nz Phone: 03 476 1616 Spend a night in the Historic Stable at Larnach Castle. Enjoy a cooked breakfast the next morning and entry to the Castle for $155 for two adults. You can also stay in the 4 star rated Larnach Lodge from $260 per couple. We highly recommend a night in the Historic Stable, see our comments here.
	Oamaru Criterion Victorian B&B Hotel, 3 Tyne Street, Harbourside www.criterion.net.nz Phone: 03 434 6247 The Criterion Victorian Hotel is located in the historic precinct of Oamaru. You can hire Victorian clothing if you'd like to complement the hotel's decor. From $80 single including cooked or continental breakfast.
	Glenmac Farmstay & Backpackers Accommodation, Gards Road, Kurow (10km east of Kurow, 60km from Oamaru) www.farmstaynewzealand.co.nz Phone: 03 436 0200 A range of accommodation options - tent sites, camper van spaces, backpacker hostel and B&B are available on this high country merino sheep and cattle farm. Horse trekking can be arranged onsite and you can dine with the family for dinner for a modest fee. If you don't have your own transport see the website for bus information.
	St Bathans St Bathans Jail & Constable's Cottage, 1648 Loop Road www.stbathans.co.nz Phone: 0800 555 016 The former jail and constable's cottage were built in 1884. The jail sleeps 2 and the self contained constable's cottage sleeps 6. From $100+ per night including continental breakfast.
	Queenstown/Te Anau Arrowtown Pittaway's Cottage, 69 Buckingham Street pittaways.cottage@xtra.co.nz Phone: 03 442 0441 This historic stone miners cottage is a pebbles throw from Arrowtown centre. Off peak rate for two from $160 per night. There is also a self contained studio available from $120 per night.
	Milford Sound Milford Mariner & Milford Wanderer www.realjourneys.co.nz Phone: 0800 656 501 Book an over night cruise on either the Milford Mariner (private cabins with en suite) or Milford Wanderer (quad share bunk room/shared bathrooms) and experience the magic of Milford Sound. Bus transfers to the vessels can be arranged from either Queenstown or Te Anau.
	Mount Creighton Little Paradise www.littleparadise.co.nz Phone: 03 442 6196 At Little Paradise you can sleep in rooms with names like Whispering Swans and Fire of Romance, you can also swim in a natural pool. Queenstown is just 28kms away but if you think you might want to stay in paradise forever maybe you can - the property is currently for sale (March 2010). Shared rooms from $45 per night, forever would be considerably more!
	Southland Invercargill Victoria Railway Hotel, cnr Leven & Esk Streets www.vrhotel.info Phone: 0800 777 557 This Victorian style boutique hotel was built in 1896 and is located opposite the Invercargill Railway Station. Rooms from $130 per night - book via the website and save 10%.
	Bluff Foveaux Hotel, 40 Gore Street www.foveauxhotel.com Phone: 03 212 7196 Stay in the 1930's Art Deco style Foveaux Hotel located just two minutes walk from the Stewart Island ferry. Rooms available with or without en suite. From $60 single. Meals by arrangement.

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Unusual Accommodation

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